echinaceas

[bjames]

Why are the echinaceas that I planted 3 years ago so slow to grow? Some of them continue to have only a few flowers, with the plant hardly becoming larger, and one, the "Paradoxa", is just languishing with no great growth spurt from last year and no buds. They are in a great garden environment with all of the other plants flourishing and producing a great show of flowers! These are supposed to be easy in my area .... zone 5 !! What's the problem?

[Newt]

Echinacea 'Paradoxa' is a very slow starter and can take up to 5 years before it puts on a show when planted from seed.* If you started with plants from a nursery, give it 3 to 4 years before you see a good show.* I've also read that it prefers a more alkaline soil, so if your soil is neutral to acid, a cup of lime, scratched into the soil should give it a boost.* Here's some growing info.* Note the first site says it's slow to get going with flowers.
http://www.highcountrygardens.com/ca...product/46049/
http://www.mobot.org/GARDENINGHELP/P....asp?code=K180

Here it is.* From this site:
http://www.easywildflowers.com/quality/ech.para.htm

Typically, paradoxa is seen blooming naturally on limestone glades in the Ozarks.

I found that it took a long time for my Echinacea purpurea aka purple coneflower to get going and give up some nice blooms.* The ones that self seeded are the ones that seem to give the best show as they sprout where they are happiest.* With mine, it seems they like to grow at the outer dripline of a tree where it tends to be dry. * I leave the seed heads on in the winter for the birds.* They 'plant' them for me.* :)

Which others are not doing well for you?

Newt

[bjames]

Newt,
I really appreciated your answer to my concern about my Echinaceas not being vibrant or prolific. I will be patient, now that I know that it is normal for them to be older before "putting on a good show". I also will add wood ash to their soil. I have several varieties of Echinaceas, since they are native plants and one of my favorites. My other Echinaceas are a little older and are slowly growing larger, but at least now I know that this slow growth habit is normal to the species. I have, besides "Paradoxa", " Ruby Star", "Vintage Wine"," White Swan", "After Midnight", "Sundown", "Kim's Kneehigh", and some nameless more common varieties. Thank you again, for your advice.
bjames

[Newt]

You are very welcome!* I grew 'White Swan' and it just disappeared on me.* One fall it was there and in spring it disappeared.* I also found the flowers looked ragged and worn once their optimum bloom was beginning to wane.* I was very disappointed in them.* I've not tried the others.* You have quite a mix and they sound great.

Newt

[bjames]

Maybe you should give "White Swan" another try. I have one that is just starting its 3rd year in my garden, and it has about 6 flower buds on it this year. They are really beautiful, vibrant, crisp white flowers and the plant seems to be strong. The other variety that I forgot to mention in my list to you is "Magnus". I adore this one because, not only is the flower large with a brilliant purple color, but the cone is large too, and a dark orange color.

[Newt]

I just might consider giving 'White Swan' another try.* We are renovating this summer and will be tearing off the roof and doing some siding repairs where some of the flower gardens are.* I'm going to be digging out some of the inappropriate plants for my small yard and planting some with 'good garden manners' that won't seed around or take over the garden with their shoots.

My garden is small and I've finally passed the stage where I have to grow every plant I see and fall in love with! *:? * It's time to simplify the plantings so I can more easily keep up.*

Newt

[Aussie Dogs Mom]

[align=left]I also find that here, in zone 8, snails are a problem with young plants.* My White Swans disappeared the first year, too, but now I know the culprits and use the same snail and slug bait that I use on my hostas. [/align]

[Newt]

Aussie Dogs Mom,

In looking at your name, I'm thinking that you have dogs.* :?* I don't know what you are using as slug bait, but most of those baits are toxic to pets.

Newt